This striking emerald green bottle is a rare find for collectors of European apothecary and industrial glass. Unlike many antique bottles found today, this specimen retains its original, weathered paper label from the Markt-Drogerie in Detmold, Germany, once operated by Carl Köhler.
​The label identifies the contents as "Brennspiritus" (Denatured Alcohol/Methylated Spirits), accompanied by the stark warnings "Vorsicht!" (Caution!) and "Feuergefährlich" (Highly Flammable).
​Product Features
​Vibrant Emerald Glass: The deep green glass was a common choice for industrial and household chemicals in the early 20th century, offering a distinct visual contrast to medicinal cobalt or amber.
​Original Pharmacist Label: The paper label provides a direct link to the Markt-Drogerie (Market Drugstore) in Detmold. This provenance adds significant value for collectors of German history and antique advertising.
​Tactile Safety Ribbing: Like the cobalt "Poison" bottles of the era, the sides of this bottle are deeply ribbed. This was a universal safety feature, allowing a user to feel the texture and immediately recognize the contents as flammable or hazardous without needing to read the label.
​Period-Correct Lip: The bottle features a classic "tooled" rim, designed to be sealed with a cork, characteristic of glass production from the late 1800s to the early 1920s.
Historical Significance
​"Brennspiritus" was a staple in early 20th-century households, used for everything from spirit lamps and small heaters to cleaning solvent. Because it was highly flammable and toxic if ingested, it was housed in these "tactile" bottles to prevent domestic accidents—a fascinating precursor to modern hazardous material packaging.
​Curator’s Recommendation: This bottle is particularly well-suited for a display focused on the history of chemistry or early 20th-century daily life. The presence of the original label makes it a standout piece that tells a specific story of a long-closed German pharmacy.
​Preservation Note: To protect the integrity of the original paper label, keep this bottle in a dry environment and away from direct, prolonged sunlight, which can fade the antique ink and dry out the adhesive.